Physiological behavior during stress anticipation across different chronic stress exposure adaptive models

Anticipation of stress induces physiological, behavioral and cognitive adjustments that are required for an appropriate response to the upcoming situation. Additional research examining the response of cardiopulmonary parameters and stress hormones during anticipation of stress in different chronic stress adaptive models is needed. As an addition to our previous research, a total of 57 subjects (16 elite male wrestlers, 21 water polo player and 20 sedentary subjects matched for age) were analyzed. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) on a treadmill was used as the laboratory stress model; peak oxygen consumption (VO₂) was obtained during CPET. Plasma levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) and N-terminal-pro-B type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) were measured by radioimmunometric, radioimmunoassay and immunoassay sandwich technique, respectively, together with cardiopulmonary measurements, 10 minutes pre-CPET and at the initiation of CPET. The response of diastolic blood pressure and heart rate was different between groups during stress anticipation (p = 0.019, 0.049, respectively), while systolic blood pressure, peak VO₂ and carbon-dioxide production responses were similar. ACTH and cortisol increased during the experimental condition, NT-pro-BNP decreased and alpha-MSH remained unchanged. All groups had similar hormonal responses during stress anticipation with the exception of the ACTH/cortisol ratio. In all three groups, ΔNT-pro-BNP during stress anticipation was the best independent predictor of peak VO₂ (B = 36.01, r = 0.37, p = 0.001). In conclusion, the type of chronic stress exposure influences the hemodynamic response during anticipation of physical stress and the path of hormonal stress axis activation. Stress hormones released during stress anticipation may hold predictive value for overall cardiopulmonary performance during the stress condition.

Physical activity and exercise as an essential medical strategy for the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond

COVID-19 disease has been a problem in today's society, which has worldwide effects on different areas, especially on the economy; also, from a health perspective, the disease affects the daily life quality. Physical activity is one major positive factor with regard to enhancing life quality, as it can improve the whole psychological, social, and physical health conditions. Current measures such as social distancing are focused on preventing the viral spread. However, the consequences on other areas are yet to be investigated. Elderly, people with chronic diseases, obese, and others benefit largely from exercise from the perspective of improved health, and preventive measures can drastically improve daily living. In this article, we elaborate the effects of exercise on the immune system and the possible strategies that can be implemented toward greater preventive potential.

Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone during exercise recovery has prognostic value for coronary artery disease

PURPOSE

Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) has proven cardiovascular effects and plays a significant role as an endogenous countermeasure to ischemia-reperfusion injury. The aim of the current study was to examine the response of alpha-MSH during exercise in patients diagnosed with coronary artery disease (CAD) and evaluate its value in the assessment of severity and prognosis.

METHODS

Forty subjects with documented CAD (i.e., lesions on coronary angiography ≥ 50%) were included. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) on a treadmill (TM) and recumbent ergometer (RE) were performed on two visits, 2-4 days apart, during 2 months of coronary angiography; subsequently, the subjects were followed up for 32 ± 10 months. At rest, at peak CPET, and after 3 min of recovery, plasma levels of alpha-MSH were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique.

RESULTS

Mean ejection fraction was 56.7 ± 9.6%. Alpha-MSH similarly increased from rest to peak CPET on both modalities. There were no significant differences in alpha-MSH values during testing in patients with 1,2- and 3-vesel CAD, nor in patients with a SYNTAX score </≥ 23 (p > 0.05). Among CPET and hormonal parameters, ∆alpha-MSH recovery/peak during RE CPET was the best predictor of cardiac event occurrence (chi-square 6.67, HR = 0.51, CI = 0.25-1.02, p = 0.010).

CONCLUSION

∆alpha-MSH recovery/peak during RE CPET has predictive value for CAD prognosis, demonstrating involvement of alpha-MSH in CAD and a link between stress hormones and cardiac events.